Hermann Bahr-Arthur Schnitzler: Correspondence, Notes, Texts

Arthur Schnitzler (1862-1931) was the most internationally renowned author of Viennese modernism even in his lifetime and remains so today. Schnitzlers friend and associate Hermann Bahr (1863-1934) is, by contrast, lesser known outside of the German-speaking world, despite his role as the principle mediator and propagator of Viennese modernist culture. Bahr understood the movement as representing an Austrian Sonderweg in literature, and Schnitzler occupied a decisive position in it. Yet the relationship between the two writers proved difficult, even with their mutual use of the intimate Du (you) form of address. This editions 1,355 chronologically ordered documents illustrate Schnitzlers and Bahrs communication and collaboration. The edition presents the comprehensive correspondence between Schnitzler and Bahr for the first time, while also bringing to light scores of previously unpublished sources. Included are all of Bahrs reviews (based on first printings) about performances of Schnitzlers plays; lists of books and signed copies and their addressees, as well as official statements to third parties; and marginalia by each author on the others texts. Brief commentaries about all documents, an extensive afterword, and an index of over 6,500 entries round out the volume, enabling research and interpretation. The edition also includes a complete index of correspondents and addressees; a register of books in each authors personal library; a concordance of earlier editions of the letters; and listings of alternate printings of the texts presented in the edition.